Most importantly, I completed the swim, 1,500m in a lake - not last, pretty much at the back, but very comfortable. My main issue was boredom to be honest; the only thing you get to look at is murky water and the occasional smeary image of a yellow buoy. Sound is virtually non-existent, although the taste of the water is entertaining, especially when swimming behind someone. Anyway, I tootled along, refusing to put pressure on myself, and as a result smashed up a huge psychological barrier to the Brecon Titan - I now know I will be able to swim that.
Another significance was the number of people who wanted to talk to me about my fundraising. I suppose that really means they were willing to listen in the first place as I brought the subject up. I was approached on the finish line by one of the organisers as they had asked people to give a little information about themselves and she wanted to know more of my story. So, yet again I found myself being photographed at a sporting event with my hair stuck up by wind and sweat. And then, as I was wearing a hospice running vest, a St Peter's Hospice nurse introduced herself to me! Oh, busy me.
Cycling. Supposed to be my strength. Well, not today. I had little strength in my legs until the last 10 miles by which time it was too late. I don't know why, but I do know that when people start slowing down I can keep powering through. I suspect overtraining, as I was cramping in the water before the cycling started and had felt crampy yesterday.
The sun - oh, the sun! The thought of competing in an event like that in driving rain is off-putting to say the least. I am grateful that so far, all three of the tri's I have done, have been in clear brght weather. I got a cup of tea afterwards and just basked by the car. In fact, I scared some passing dog-walkers by doing a little impromptu yoga, then drove home playing reggae very loudly.
Running proved to be slightly better than the cycling; I felt fairly good and overtook a good number of people. The same applied as the cycling; the more tired people are the more I start to overtake. I therefore need to work on speed rather than endurance.
The other thing I need to work on is transitions with a wetsuit. I did the sort of change that people put on You-Tube, flailing around as if I was wrestling with a huge octopus. Eventually I gave up, sat down and peeled the bloody thing off, wasting at least a minute. I know what to do, but the wetsuit was in a contrary mood.
So, to sum up in a chronologically final sort of way; I had a great time, I was so much more comfortable competing, and got a bit sunburnt. Oh, and when I got back, next-door were having a barbecue and I sat and had a cheeky cider with them. Quality.
swim - 152nd cycle - 45th run - 48th Out of 185 finishers, but a more serious level than last week. Oh, and 5th gnarly supervet.
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